ON THE ROLE OF THE LOFT, THE DISTANCE AND SITE OF RELEASE IN PIGEON HOMING (THE "CROSS-LOFT EXPERIMENT")

Abstract

Five lofts which formed a symmetrical cross, with several kilometers'' distance between the lofts, were established. Releases were performed with from all lofts along the extensions of the axes of this cross. From points close to the cross, birds from certain lofts would face identical home directions but different distances whereas birds from other lofts would face different directions but similar distances. The effect of such controlled interrelations upon initial orientation and homing success below 100 km was studied.